J.J. Abrams and ‘Star Wars': Disney confirms directing gig

Jan. 26, 2013 | 12:02 a.m.

J.J. Abrams, who has made a name for himself writing, directing and producing such hits as "Lost" and "Star Trek," was tapped in January to direct "Star Wars: Episode VII." (Tracey Nearmy / European Pressphoto Agency)

Abrams made his first foray into television in 1998, co-creating the coming-of-age drama "Felicity," which starred Keri Russell as the title character. The show won a Golden Globe and an Emmy. (The WB)

Abrams co-created "Lost" with Jeffrey Lieber and Damon Lindelof. The suspense-filled show followed a group of people after their plane crashed on an island. The massively popular series became a cultural touchstone, with millions of viewers tuning in for twist after twist. (ABC)

Abrams, second from left, shares the stage with "Star Trek Into Darkness" actor Benedict Cumberbatch, star Chris Pine and producer Bryan Burk during a December 2012 press conference for the sequel to their 2009 blockbuster. (Koji Sasahara / Associated Press)

“It’s very exciting to have J.J. aboard leading the charge as we set off to make a new ‘Star Wars’ movie,” Lucasfilm chief Kathleen Kennedy said in a statement issued late in the day. “J.J. is the perfect director to helm this. Beyond having such great instincts as a filmmaker, he has an intuitive understanding of this franchise. He understands the essence of the ‘Star Wars’ experience, and will bring that talent to create an unforgettable motion picture.”

George Lucas went on to say in a release, “I’ve consistently been impressed with J.J. as a filmmaker and storyteller. He’s an ideal choice to direct the new ‘Star Wars’ film and the legacy couldn’t be in better hands.”

“To be a part of the next chapter of the ‘Star Wars’ saga, to collaborate with Kathy Kennedy and this remarkable group of people, is an absolute honor,” J.J. Abrams said in the same statement. “I may be even more grateful to George Lucas now than I was as a kid.”

Abrams, his longtime producing partner Bryan Burk and Bad Robot are on board to produce along with Kennedy under the Disney Lucasfilm banner.

Also consulting on the project, according to the statement, are Lawrence Kasdan and Simon Kinberg.

Kasdan has a long history with Lucasfilm, as screenwriter on “Star Wars: Episode V –The Empire Strikes Back,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.”Kinberg’s screenwriting credits include “Sherlock Holmes” and “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

Hero Complex reported earlier on Friday that Abrams will continue to be involved with the “Star Trek” franchise as well. In addition to directing the upcoming “Star Trek Into Darkness” — a sequel to 2009’s successful big screen reboot “Star Trek” — Paramount Vice Chairman Rob Moore said that Abrams will still be involved in some capacity with a possible third “Trek” movie, at the minimum as a producer, if not also directing the film.

Moore also pointed out that Abrams will continue to play a role in another of the studio’s most valuable franchises, “Mission: Impossible.”

“J.J. will continue to develop projects for us including a new ‘Mission: Impossible,’ and he is committed to produce another ‘Star Trek,’” Moore said.